Outside of Austin, Texas can appear very Red. In San Antonio, which went Blue for Obama, we have a great organization that helps serve the progressive community, San Antonio Area Progressive Action Coalition, better known as SAAPAC.
Through the help of donations, SAAPAC has procured office space and they make it available to organizations for meetings. It's a great place - they have a large screen tv for watching debates and big time news coverage, two or three computers (depending on what's working that day), a printer, a photocopier, and a big bonus, kitchen space. Best of all, they have meeting space for the large (50-100) and the small (2-10) and anything in between.
Last night, SAAPAC held their annual holiday party and gave out awards to local groups. I know that none of us work our butts off to receive praise (we're really just trying to get Congress to do the right thing) but a little praise never hurt anyone. Read below the fold to find out about active progressive groups in San Antonio.
And, so, announcing the SAAPAC Action Award Winners!
Energia Mia
Energia Mia Because of your efforts, concern over the nuclear expansion at Bay City has become broad-based and now encompasses many of the citizens and organizations of our city. Energia Mia has been the public face of opposition to a poor plan for San Antonio's energy future, entailing both health and financial risks, and you are hereby recognized for the outstanding job you have done to make the issue a major one for our city. Thank you.
MoveOn Council San Antonio
MoveOn Council San Antonio In the beginning of the year, you worked hard to urge Congress to pass a bill that builds a Green Economy and stops Global Warming, but you haven’t stopped there. When the country needed you to get active to get healthcare reform you have jumped in to activate the public. You have continually been out front letting our Congressman and Senators know there are folks who really do want a PUBLIC Option and really do depend on them to do the right thing. From the rallies to the visits to each and every Congressman’s and Senators’ offices and Town Hall meetings, to the rallies for healthcare and in front of Blue Cross Blue Shields’ Office to actually following the the Tea Party around, you guys have been there. Thank you.
Organizing for America
Organizing for America You collected stories and names of supporters of healthcare reform and Karen Newton in your San Antonio office came in every day and called tirelessly. We appreciate her efforts and your framework. It is this framework that is going to keep activists working on the many issues that must be addressed during President Obama’s first years in office. Thank you.
Public Citizen Texas
Public Citizen Texas Because of your efforts, the citizens and leadership of San Antonio have been made to focus on nuclear power as financially and environmentally risky and on energy alternatives that are far more suitable for our city, region, and country. Your excellent research, your intervention in the licensing process, your funding of various speakers and initiatives, and the time you and your organization have put into this effort do not go unnoticed by SAAPAC, though they are of necessity, low key. Thank you.
San Antonio HCAN
San Antonio Healthcare-Now Coalition Thank you all for your diligence which has lasted over a span of YEARS. You have fought to get Healthcare Reform and HR 676 on the Primary Referendum Ballot of the 2008 Democratic Party (and oh what a help that would have been for the Democrats in the Congress today) You fought and won to pass a resolution at the State Convention for HR 676. You have never stopped being available to educate all about the benefits of this bill and to collect signatures on petitions. Today you are continuing to help to get a Healthcare Reform Bill passed. We appreciate your knowledge and your efforts. Thank you!
SEED Coalition
SEED Coalition (Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Coalition)
Because of your efforts, the citizens and leadership of San Antonio have been made to focus on nuclear power as financially and environmentally risky and on energy alternatives that are far more suitable for our city, region, and country. Your excellent research, your intervention in the licensing process, your funding of various speakers and initiatives, and the time you and your organization have put into this effort do not go unnoticed by SAAPAC, though they are of necessity, low key. Thank you.
The Alamo Group of the Sierra Club
Sierra Club Because of your efforts, the city of San Antonio has become aware of the many clean and effective means of both reducing energy demand and supplying energy through renewable sources such as geothermal, solar, and wind. These alternate solutions to our city's future energy needs do not compromise either the health or the finances of our citizens as other means do, and SAAPAC commends you for publicizing and promoting them. Thank you.
And a final thanks to SAAPAC! Without the space, the above groups would have a much more difficult time organizing. And, as much as all of us hate attending another meeting, without them, we wouldn't have ACTION!